Shorea mecistopteryx explained

Shorea mecistopteryx is a tree in the family Dipterocarpaceae, native to Borneo. The specific epithet mecistopteryx means 'big wing', referring to the fruit's lobes.

Description

Shorea mecistopteryx grows up to 50m (160feet) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1.60NaN0. It has buttresses up to 20NaN0 tall. The smooth bark later becomes flaking and cracked. The papery leaves are oblong and measure up to 20cm (10inches) long, occasionally 30cm (10inches) long. The inflorescences measure up to 12cm (05inches) long.

Distribution and habitat

Shorea mecistopteryx is endemic to Borneo. Its habitat is in lowland dipterocarp forests, near coasts, to elevations of around 400m (1,300feet).

Conservation

Shorea mecistopteryx has been assessed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by conversion of land for agriculture, mainly for palm oil plantations. The species is also threatened by logging for its timber and the construction of logging roads. In Kalimantan, forest fires are a risk for the species. Shorea mecistopteryx does occur in a number of protected areas.